Apple introduces split-screen multitasking feature in iPad

Making iPad a more functional device for business productivity, Apple on Tuesday launched a split- screen real multitasking app that allows users to run two app side-by-side.

iPad's split screen feature was rumored for some time and comes after Microsoft introduced its multi-window feature in its tablet computer or hybrid laptop in Microsoft 8. Multi-window modes were also offered by Samsung Galaxy tab devices.

At the WWDC 2015, Apple's SVP of Software Engineering, Craig Federighi demonstrated the iPad's new split screen feature. Using Safari, Craig swiped from the right side of the screen and a view of the Messages app slides into place. He then swiped from above on the messages view, and was able to switch just that one app. Thus two apps side-by-side were running independently.

Continuing the demo, Federighi was able to tap a map link within a note which opened on the left side of the screen.

In a second example, the Apple representative was able to show how an email can be checked while watching a video. Even picture-in-picture video can be dragged around the screen and resize it with a pinch.

The best part, Federighi noted, is when the user adopted auto layout.

Apple used two different terms for its multi tasking mode, Slide Over and Split View. The former allows the user to open a second app without leaving the current app. While the second one allows two apps run side-by-side at the same time.

Slide over feature is available on iPad Air, Air 2, Mini 2 and Mini 3. And, the split view is available only on iPad Air2.

The feature also comes with a new app switcher that lets user swipe and drag an app into the new multi-tasking view.  

The split screen feature is also available in the recently announced OS X EI Capitan.